The Golden Rule

Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Yet, as I have read through the comments on the Misty Ridge Facebook pages, and e-mails sent to the Misty Ridge Community Association, I have pondered how often we actually put that rule into practice. We've all been guilty of using harsh words when we're angry or furstrated, and it's even easier to do so via social media and e-mail communications. These electronic communication methiods tend to create a sense of detachment from our words, but it's important to remember that these words are real, and they have an impact.

When I volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors, I was motivated by a desire to improve our community. I knew that many of my neighbors shared my disappointment with Beechen and Dill, and expected that our community would rally together to work toward a common goal. I never expected that a large part of the community would immediately turn against the newly elected Board, and I certainly never expected the hateful words and accusations we have received from so many of our neighbors.

So as your neighbor, I ask you to please remember that the Board of Directors are volunteers. Just like you, we are homeowners who care about, and want the best for our community. Just like you, we have jobs, families, and various other life responsibilities. When we accepted these roles, we took on what often feels like an insurmountable challenge; one that few others were willing to take on. We started from scratch, and were handed a mountain of issues from our predecessor, Beechen and Dill, that we had to do our best to resolve in a very short time. We took on these difficult roles because we care about our community, and wanted to make it a pleasant place for all who live here.

At times we have been made out to be the enemy, or that we're working against the homeowners. This is not only untrue, but extremely hurtful. This is by no means an easy or enviable task, but we are doing the best we can.

In every decision that the Board makes, we take the entire community into consideration. We are part of the community too; every decision we make affects us as well. One day soon a new group of volunteers will be responsible for acting on our behalf, and I can only hope they too put the community's interest before all else.

What many may not understand is that in many ways, our hands are tied on how much we can actually do as a Board. The Community by-laws were constructed by Beechen and Dill, and are very restrictive. The process to change these by-laws is quite complicated, so whether we personally disagree with the by-laws or not, there is little we can do as a Board to change them. If we want to see change happen in this community, we need to work together. If it seems that the Board is sitting idly by doing nothing, (which by the way, is certainly not the case) it is only because we so limited on what we can do. There are plenty of positive changes we'd like to make in our community, but without your full support, we won't be able to accomplish much of anything.

So please, think carefully about the comments made toward, and about the Board of Directors because one day you may find yourself in our shoes, facing the same sort of challenges, and you too may find yourself wishing that more people practiced the Golden Rule.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge those who have been patient, understanding, and supportive of the Board as we struggle to find our footing in this new role. Many of you have offered to help in any way you can, or have expressed your appreciation for what we're trying to do for our community. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. We really appreciate your support!

Sincerely,

Katherine Aseves, Secretary